Recent news

Good news - I now have to be in the UK from September 10th to October 16th to do my CELTA course as I just sent Mark off with Mojo to post my acceptance letter and deposit cheque.  I best get looking at flight times now and let Claire know I'll be descending on her abode in due course!

In other recent news: I out-witted a bug yesterday afternoon and let me tell you it was no close thing, I mean I really out-witted him, he had no chance against my brains and brutality...  He was sat on one of the metal spokes on my trolley outside Aldi and I spun that trolley round at high speed until he... well until he fell off really.  Who said life in Brittany was boring?  There's tons to do, and a lot of insects.

Back to Brittany

Leaving my absolute favourite city for good was quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  Sat on the metro (feeling like a pack horse who'd just been employed by a bourgeois antique collector who'd suddenly decided he wanted to move all his stuff from one side of France to the other - except the stuff in my bags wasn't quite as valuable) I felt something wet drip down my cheek - that's right - some rain water had fallen from the Dupleix track onto my head as the previous metro had rumbled past - typical.

As the last visions of Paris jerkily zoomed past, I began to reflect on all the good times.  Thankfully Montparnasse is only a few stops down the line....

One thing I certainly won't miss is the parisian attitude.  I was unfortunate enough to have an encounter with one such character in my dying seconds of Paris time.  For there, upon the steps stood a hunky, yet menacing (he had a gun) soldier.  Naively, (even after 3 years) I thought he may have offered a helping hand as I struggled not to land on my back whilst falling backwards with all my bags from the top step (on which the unhelpful git was standing).  Of course he didn't - I suppose yawning and stretching must be an integral part of Sarkozy's training programme as I must say he did that awfully well...

The SNCF journey was OK - except for all the petitions I didn't sign that kept appearing under my nose - attached to which were young, eager French students (worse kind).

I have to admit - I was very upset upon leaving as I watched the last of the highrise buildings wizz past my window.  Then, shortly after, something magical happened.  Trees and green fields as far as the eye could see - a smile crept accross myself (in reflection it was more of a sprint than a crawl but 'crept' sounded better) and I do believe a little exclamation of glee escaped my lips as the reality hit me - I don't live in Paris anymore!!

No more being hassled by the "Do you speak English?" "Is this your ring, it's pure gold!" "I draw your portrait pretty lady?" and the most painful of them all "Bling bling, 2 euro."  I can walk the side of the street without the fear of crazed old drunks brandishing empty wine bottles and best of all... peace and quiet will be possible!

Despite all of the above I am still filled with melancholy, now I know why.  It's not because of Paris or University but it is because of you.  My very good friends.  You guys mean so much to me and I am so glad to have met you all.

The positive ending is thus : next time we meet it will be better, because it won't be in Paris!  See what I did there?!

PS- It's difficult to spot but you may have noticed a tiny bit of artistic licence at the beginning.

Post - teenage turmoil

Make no mistake, leaving the education system is scary.  I mean really scary, even scarier than Rolf Harris turning up on your doorstep with his wobble board… and let’s face it - that would be terrifying. 

It’s simple, you look around and realise that your life has started.  Time to think seriously about the future, about who you wish to share that future with and where… It’s no wonder so many young people are on Prozac nowadays, I even know someone who is pondering moving to Palestine.  You see, the sudden realisation makes you do (or hopefully just think) some damn crazy things.

As for myself, I’m not sure what my reaction will be.  I’ve thought some interesting thoughts over the past three years and now is no exception.  Should I open a bar on a beach on a Greek island, start a language school in Brittany or travel the world in search of my destiny?  Suggestions are welcome (especially from Stephen as you’re probably the only one reading!)

I guess anything is an adventure now, even if plans have been made (I really wish they had been.)  Still, CELTA in September should be fun, perhaps that will give me more ideas, failing that I think "Lucy's Tours" has a lovely ring to it.  Or possibly "Lucy's Wine Tasting Tours" would be more explicit!

Hmmm, I'm glad I started a blog, it helps with inward reflexion and will hopefully aid in outward decisions.

I would promise that the next entry will be more positive but apparently I'm not someone who is able to highlight only the positives...  I will try my best and think only positive thoughts

PS- I caught a cold on the way back from Pairs, great.

PPS- That was still the same entry

Ode to my friends

It's been three years in gay Paris,

What memories will I take with me?

Well first comes Nicky who's taught me lots,

About sexy inuendos and how to drink shots,

Not forgetting those innovative corridor games,

Things without you Nicky just won't be the same!

From Moroccans to firemen to a one legged man,

Your eyes are like some sort of super sex scan!

You and I (though different) go well together,

And for a flat mate I couldn't have asked for better.

So here's to Nicky and all that comes to her next,

We wish her well and of course... lots of sex!!

Natasha, we also drink to you,

With so many quotes it's hard to chose!

But your smile is what I'll remember the most,

Plus those classic moments of you playing host!

Who cares if onions go first or last?

As long as we're all having a jolly good laugh!

So here's to Natasha and the rest of her life,

You're bound to make someone the perfect wife!

Stephen, I've saved the last lines for you,

Cuz you're the one who makes leaving the hardest to do,

Your sharp witted humour has kept me on my game,

I just hope that for you, I have provided the same,

After three (long) years of mutual piss taking,

You know you have a true friendship in the making

You're bound to be successful in whatever you do,

So this toast is to say that I'll really miss you.

To have made such good friends in such a small place,

Made it hard yesterday when packing my case,

But Natasha, Stephen, Nicky, Brittany's not that far,

So this is not a good bye but just an 'au revoir' ;-)